I would say your tempo should work for quilting. Does it have a darning foot? If so, you can quilt with it. You are not going to find a machine that will "guide" you as you quilt. If you are doing straight lines...your regular or walking foot should have a wire (L shaped) that slides into the back of the foot...you adjust for the width of the lines you are doing.
If you are set on a new Machine...I'd get this one:
http://tinyurl.com/gukkjsw
Singer 9960
The above link is to the machine on Amazon.com
You don't need a larger harp to do even a king size quilt. Look on youtube for info on how to quilt on a domestic machine. I did it for years and years. It's all about how you do the quilting. Remember, you quilt from middle out...so even king size is never more than twin size in depth. Divide into 4ths...baste (pin or large hand stitches...spray baste is ok...but works loose as you go...pins or thread is best). Start by squishing (don't roll, as it takes up too much height) the edge of the quilt sandwich under and over until you reach the middle of the quilt...stitch in the direction of the machine harp area...pulling the quilt from the harp area as you go.
One really important thing...you need a huge surface for support of the quilt. I used my machine table (a little desk at that time), shoved the dining room table into a corner, put the school desk at the right side of the table front... and the dining table supported the king size quilt...having the table in the corner of the wall, let's the wall keep the quilt on the table...no drag (or very minimal).
I'd try with the one you have...see if you like it before buying a 2nd machine...unless you really just want a 2nd machine.
Marge
Originally Posted by
karinlee74
Ok I am new to quilting. I have a Babylock tempo basic machine. I am looking for a good but yet inexpensive machine for quilting. Preferably one that helps guide me and one that could do a twin to queen (I think that means a larger harp right?) I dont know.
I have been looking online at the following: singer 9960 quantum stylist 600 stitch and Brother hc 1850. I was thinking that one of these computerized machines would be easier. I also would like one that helps me with the steering if that even makes sense. Remember I am new.
I was given a $150 amazon gift card which is the reason why I mentioned the two above. They were on amazon. I know of some more that arent on amazon but in order to use the gift certificate, amazon is what I have.
Please Help. I can spend more money than the $150, perhaps up to $300 but cant spend a lot more than that because my husband just bought a car and our kids our in music lessons.
I was hoping for advice or if someone happens to find something on amazon that would work for me. I would appreciate all the help I can get.
I currently am making corded quilted baskets and have to rent the machine and stay at a quilt shop because the babylock doesn't go high enough for the cording to thread over the cord. So, that has been another problem.
Thank you so much